The new school year has begun - for many parents a welcome opportunity to give their children their first smartphone. The handy device puts the Internet in your pocket, with all its advantages but also risks. How can parents protect their children from cyberbullying and contact with criminals? First, you should get to grips with the language on the internet. Software provider Panda Security has put together a small dictionary of online youth language and helpful tips.
The origins of online speech are closely linked to texting culture, social networks, games and chats. Before smartphones were commonplace, users typed their mobile messages using multi-tap: each key was assigned three or four letters and had to be pressed several times for a character - an inefficient method that, in conjunction with the character limit in SMS and social media, Media posts that made abbreviations so popular.
Criminals such as drug dealers and sex offenders often adopt young people's online language to make contact with them more easily.
Abbreviations are actually a practical invention. But they can also hide threatening messages, such as cyberbullying, a widespread problem among young people. In doing so, users harass or manipulate others. In addition, criminals such as drug dealers and sex offenders often adopt the online language of young people in order to make contact with them more easily. That's why parents should know today's common terms. The included infographic provides an overview.

Helpful tips for parents
Knowing about potentially dangerous online language and the fact that teens may be hiding their activities can be a concern for parents. With these tips, parents can ensure that children stay online as safely as possible.
- Devices at a glance: Randomly check your child's devices, the family PC, social media and messenger services.
- Discuss sexting: Talk to your teens about the dangers of dirty talk online and the possible legal consequences.
- Show tools and techniques: Don't assume your children know everything about technology - teach them the right skills, tools and responsibilities.
- Warn against attacks: The danger of attacks also exists on the Internet. Discuss the emotional and physical dangers that can arise when communicating online, whether through instant messaging, telephone conversations, or sending pictures and other information.
- Set up parental controls: Avoid potential dangers by setting up parental controls on your shared devices. In this way, internet use can be blocked or limited in time.
- Limit screen time: Limiting your time on your smartphone reduces risk and leaves more time for homework, family, and a good night's sleep.
- Address cyberbullying: Cyberbullying is widespread in today's online world. Address how to deal with cyberbullies and how to block or report them.
- Stay up to date: Learn the latest online teen lingo at sites like Urban Dictionary, Wiktionary and Urban Thesaurus. You can also ask your children and community members about terms you don't know.
If you follow these tips, you can keep an eye on your children's digital habits and enable them to stay safe online.

Technical solutions offer further security. Did my child arrive home safely? Does it have access to unwanted content? How can I limit the time on my smartphone? Parents no longer have to worry about these questions with Panda Dome Family software: it includes real-time GPS tracking, access to app usage reports, app and game blocking, and mobile device and app usage limits. The package also includes an alarm function for geographical location, device locking in the event of theft or loss, panic button for emergencies and the deletion of personal data remotely.
Anyone interested can find more information about Panda Dome Family online at https://www.pandasecurity.com/de/homeusers/dome-family/
A press release from
Pandy Security
Related to the topic: Cyberbullying – what is it?
If you enjoyed this post and value the importance of well-founded information, become part of the exclusive Mimikama Club! Support our work and help us promote awareness and combat misinformation. As a club member you receive:
📬 Special Weekly Newsletter: Get exclusive content straight to your inbox.
🎥 Exclusive video* “Fact Checker Basic Course”: Learn from Andre Wolf how to recognize and combat misinformation.
📅 Early access to in-depth articles and fact checks: always be one step ahead.
📄 Bonus articles, just for you: Discover content you won't find anywhere else.
📝 Participation in webinars and workshops : Join us live or watch the recordings.
✔️ Quality exchange: Discuss safely in our comment function without trolls and bots.
Join us and become part of a community that stands for truth and clarity. Together we can make the world a little better!
* In this special course, Andre Wolf will teach you how to recognize and effectively combat misinformation. After completing the video, you have the opportunity to join our research team and actively participate in the education - an opportunity that is exclusively reserved for our club members!
Notes:
1) This content reflects the current state of affairs at the time of publication. The reproduction of individual images, screenshots, embeds or video sequences serves to discuss the topic. 2) Individual contributions were created through the use of machine assistance and were carefully checked by the Mimikama editorial team before publication. ( Reason )

